All
sorts of guides are available in bookshops, sport shops and visitors
centers. Maps
are available for all National Parks and most Forest Parks. Larger scale
Topomaps are for the more adventurous, wandering off the beaten track.
The works of the late Kiwi bushman Barry
Crump are good reading to take in your backpack. As the author
warns: there are things that have happened, things that have partly
happened and things that could have happened. His novels and short
stories describe the good old time of real
Kiwi blokes in the bush, in a very entertaining, often hilarious
way. My favourites are "A good keen man", "Wild pork and
watercress", "Gold and Greenstone" and "Forty yarns
and a song".

Huts

Standards varies from luxurious lodges to grotty dog
kernels. Most of them are splendidly sited, have a stove or a fireplace,
mattresses and water supply. Charges are 2, 4 or 6 euros except on the
popular Great Walks (6 to 12 euros).

Watch for this sign! It means that in the area, men and women are
working to preserve nature for you to enjoy. They maintain parks,
tracks, huts, rest areas, camping grounds, reserves, visitor centres and
much more. Help them in respecting the irreplaceable beauty of Aotearoa
New Zealand outdoors.

Visitor
Centres are a must to visit!They show displays, map, videos and movies. They hold
information on tracks, huts and weather. Most sell guides, maps and
films. That is where a trip starts.

Although New Zealand has a mild climate, the weather can change
quickly at any time of the year. Heavy rain, snow and gales can hit
mountain ranges even in summer. This means trips into the outdoors are
always potentially hazardous. Talk to park staff or read information
guides before setting off into the bush or mountains, and take a
topographical map, high energy foods, warm clothing and wet-weather
gear. Make sure someone knows your plans (remember to let them know once
you return). Leave details in intentions books at the visitor centre and
in huts along the way. If you need to take drinking water from rivers or
other natural water sources it is best to boil, chemically treat or
filter it before drinking.